Digital Identity

Initiative 1: Functional Digital Identity

South Africa is fortunate to have a single unique identity number for each person. The government is phasing in the Smart ID — as at the end of 2023, an estimated 21 million people received Smart ID cards with associated biometrics. The Smart ID has features, such as stored biometrics and near-field communication, which provide opportunities for innovation.

The government will jumpstart digital transformation with the roll-out of the Smart ID. Introducing a functional Digital ID will enable individuals and organisations to share verified digital versions of documents and other information. The Smart ID roll-out will ensure the data we have to authenticate people’s identities is complete. The functional Digital ID will facilitate secure remote access to services. The verified digital document system will help South Africans avoid the administrative burden and costs associated with physical documents.

Project 1.1: Functional Digital Identity with Universal Biometrics

This project will accelerate the issuance of Smart IDs and the associated capture of biometric data, allowing people to prove their identity without needing a physical document. This will be done in a way that ensures no one is left behind, with enrolment gradually phased in as people apply for services such as passports or social grants.

This project will also establish a functional Digital ID, which is a critical foundation for digital transformation. A functional Digital ID will enable people to securely verify their identity in person or remotely, using a device, QR code, or other secure methods. This will improve access to services, including banking and healthcare, by allowing people to enrol and verify their identity remotely — without needing to submit physical or certified copies of identity documents.

Project 1.2: Verified Document Sharing and Wallet

This project will enable people to share verified information without the need for paper documents. People will have control over what they share and with whom — they can choose to share only the necessary details instead of handing over full documents.

The government will build the infrastructure needed to create and share verified information digitally, such as one’s age or highest level of educational attainment.

The government will also develop a Credentials Wallet, which will allow people to securely access and share verified information.

Banks, mobile networks and fintech companies could use the government infrastructure, or even offer wallets that meet the same security standards. This gives people more choice, while ensuring a government-backed option is always available.